Two men charged in an alleged murder plot, which police say came to light during an organized crime investigation, made a brief first court appearance Friday. [The accused 1], 39, and [The accused 2], 50, did not speak as their lawyers sought to adjourn the case while awaiting Crown disclosure.

Gregory Dunn, [The accused]’s Calgary-based lawyer, reportedly said he expected the death penalty to be waived despite the pleas of Hassell’s family. “I appreciate that the authorities are indicating they are going to consult with the families, because that’s the right thing to do. But at the end of the day, I just don’t see the United Sates not playing ball on this,” said Dunn.